Green Holiday

For a green holiday, source materials from nature, repurpose and reuse what you already have.

Sustainable Christmas Wreath

Pine branches, California Holly (Toyon berries), pine cones, used gift-wrapping bows, florist wire, disposable wire hanger, metallic paint, gift wrapping ribbons, needle nose pliers, newspaper

Reshape the hanger into a circle. Arrange the pine branches roughly before wrapping with florist wire.

Tuck in the holly, arrange the bows and tie with wire. Add a long ribbon with a flourish. If you want to do more, spray paint pine cones with metallic paint and glue it down using a hot glue gun. I decided to use the pine cones for something else.

The wreath lasts at least three weeks, spray occasionally with water to refresh. The pine branches are compostable, the wire can be salvaged for another project, so also the bows. Just remember to wear gloves while doing this, it can really save your hands and yes, save the planet while enjoying its treasures.

Mini Tree Flora Arrangement

Cull mini pine boughs from different pine trees and stick them into a flower pot. Arrange on a platter with metallic spray painted pine cones. Decorate with mini ornaments, beads, and string lights. Et voilà! You trimmed your outdoor tree and created a mini indoor tree with trim and all.

Merry and Bright Hearth

Pine branches , painted or natural pinecones, all those ornaments, a large platter, and 5 LED candles

Line the platter with pine branches as bedding around the candles, arrange pinecones, spread glittering ornaments and turn on flickering candles to bring the merry and bright in.

Outdoor Tree Trim

Get the little friendly elves to help put up ornaments on outdoor trees. It’s a fun activity for the entire family.

Log Christmas Reindeer

Repurpose your fireplace logs, gather ye twigs, some greenery for antlers, and buttons for eyes and nose: a red button or red ornament nose for Rudolph! There’s no fixed way to do this, Use hand tools or power tools, but don’t forget to use your imagination!